Rüsselsheim. After debuting in the Zafira Tourer, the all-new whisper diesel now also ensures powerful and clean drive in the heart of the Opel model portfolio. The 1.6 CDTI with 100 kW/136 hp and 320 Nm maximum torque is now also available in the high-volume Astra hatchback, Astra notchback and Astra Sports Tourer models. It boasts superb performance and minimum noise generation while consuming just 3.9 liters diesel per 100 km in the NEDC test procedure (New European Driving Cycle). The 81 kW/110 hp version of the whisper turbo diesel debuting at the Geneva Motor Show from March 6 – 16 is even cleaner and more economical. In the NEDC this engine needs just 3.7 liters diesel for 100 km and with CO2 emissions of 97 g/km, undercutting the 100 gram mark.

“Our high-volume Astra and the new whisper diesel 1.6 CDTI are a perfect match. They are the ideal coupling for everyone who wants to combine high performance with top refinement and high fuel efficiency,” says Michael Ableson, Vice President GME Engineering. “The new 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo gasoline and 1.6 CDTI engines comprise the core of our engine offensive. They prove that Opel cars not only impress with design, but also offer top quality with ultra-modern technologies for an all-round, first-class driving experience.”

Smooth whisper diesel: All-new 1.6 CDTI with 3.9 l/100 km and 320 Nm

Named the most reliable German compact car by the trade magazine auto motor und sport (Issue 12/2013), the Opel Astra now offers state-of-the-art on-board infotainment with the IntelliLink system. Its ultra-modern engine technology is just as advanced. The highlight in the diesel offer for the Astra hatchback, notchback and Sports Tourer is the completely new 1.6 CDTI with 100 kW/136 hp that is now available. The various performance levels of the newest generation all-aluminum turbo unit will successively replace the engines with 1.7-liter displacement, ushering in a new era in Opel’s diesel portfolio.

Opel’s extremely efficient whisper diesel is the first unit in the Astra portfolio to already comply with the future Euro 6 emissions standard, making it the cleanest diesel Opel has ever built. The engine is best-in-class in noise and vibration generation thanks to its optimized component design, an especially efficient combustion process with multiple injection and additional acoustic measures. The result is totally convincing. Opel’s new 1.6 CDTI is the quietest diesel in its class, earning the name whisper diesel. Further contributors to its strong and clean performance are the high-pressure common rail system and lean NOx trap exhaust after-treatment (LNT). Together with the VTG turbocharger (variable turbine geometry) that enables powerful response, they are the engine’s core technical elements.

The engine boasts powerful 320 Nm maximum torque – seven percent more than the 130 hp 1.7-liter predecessor. At the same time, fuel efficiency is improved and CO2 emissions are reduced. This output variant makes do with an exemplary 3.9 liters diesel per 100 km in the NEDC test procedure and emits just 104 g/km CO2 – up to eight percent less than the 1.7-liter engine. So it’s no surprise that in Germany, the Astra 1.6 CDTI has earned the best A+ energy efficiency label. This comes with top performance and superb low-speed torque: the turbo unit accelerates the Astra from zero to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds (notchback: 10.1 seconds); from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear it needs just 9.2 seconds (notchback: 9.1 seconds, Sports Tourer: 9.9 seconds). Top speed is 200 km/h and the notchback even reaches 205 km/h.

The 100 kW/136 hp Astra hatchback 1.6 CDTI with Start/Stop and six-speed manual transmission is available from 22,200 euros, the notchback from 22,700 euros and prices for the Sports Tourer counterpart start at 23,300 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

With the new 1.6 CDTI, the Astra hatchback, notchback and Sports Tourer all tighten their fuel-saving belts. In Geneva the 81 kW/110 hp version of the newest generation turbo diesel makes its first appearance. Also featuring exemplary low-end torque, the engine has 300 Nm maximum torque (seven percent more than the 1.7-liter predecessor with the same hp), achieving fuel consumption in the NEDC combined cycle to 3.7 liters diesel per 100 km – and CO2 emissions to below 100 grams: the compact class bestseller emits just 97 g/km.

With all these advantages, the 110 hp version of the ultra-modern whisper diesel that will soon be available is everything but a listless economy engine. Environmental friendliness, running refinement and low noise generation come with ample power development. With the new generation turbo diesel, the Astra hatchback, notchback and Sports Tourer accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 12.0 seconds, and top speed is 186 km/h.

The new 1.6 CDTI engine in the Astra comes coupled with the further developed, improved six-speed manual transmission. This guarantees highest shifting comfort, as Opel invested over 50 million euros to optimize the five and six-speed gearboxes. A host of enhancements to the transmission components and shifting mechanisms, as well as to integration in the vehicle, led to noticeable improvements in comfort. Shifting requires minimal effort with the low-friction gearboxes, so that in the Astra 1.6 CDTI it is faster, more precise and above all silky smooth.